Content Warning: This article touches on the topic of suicide, which may be triggering for some readers.
Since tennis star turned commentator Jelena Dokic first revealed her new-found love with Yane Veselinov in July, she has made few comments about her relationship.
Announcing her new relationship, Jelena shared a photo with her new boyfriend, writing simply: “You are my calm, safe, peaceful and happy place. So glad I found you.”
Months after this announcement, privacy has been an important discussion in Jelena and Yane’s relationship. Speaking with Stellar Magazine, Jelena reveals how she is navigating love in the public eye.
“He’s not anonymous anymore. We talk about that a lot and I want to make sure that he’s OK, that he doesn’t feel like [his] privacy was invaded,” she told the publication.
“I’ve been in the spotlight since the age of 12, so it’s very different for me. The most important thing is that we’re happy. I’ve had to do a lot of healing, a lot of soul-searching.
“I’m really grateful and lucky to have found someone I can be so happy with at the moment. It’s early, it’s new. But we understand each other and he’s incredibly kind and generous.”
Jelena previously dated Tin Bikic for 19 years before the relationship ended in 2022.
In 2022, Jelena spoke to The Weekly about the end of her 18-year relationship with Tin.
“We’d been together for a very long time, almost 19 years – since we were 20 – so it’s always tough when something like that comes to an end,” she said in 2022 to The Weekly.
“He helped me through so much in my life. In my lowest moments, he was there, and I’m not sure I would be here today if it wasn’t for him. He’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, with such a good heart. But I think once you end a relationship that’s that long, it’s almost like a grieving process, because it ended quite suddenly.”
Jelena has always been candid with The Weekly about the challenges she’s faced — both on and off the court.
Jelena shared that she had experienced a serious mental health crisis, triggered in part by the breakup. But, as she has done before, she sought support, took time out, and gradually began to rebuild.
Jelena has spent the past decade advocating for mental health awareness. She often speaks out about online abuse and shares her experience of trauma and recovery. Most notably in her bestselling memoir and subsequent documentary, Unbreakable.
In our past interviews, Jelena has spoken of the strength she’s found in sharing her story. Furthermore, the grounding effect of community and connection.
While she’s not defined by her relationship status, her willingness to speak honestly about love, loss and healing has inspired many.
Jelena was our cover star on the September 2024 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. And she opened the Women’s Weekly Health Summit 2024 with a powerful video.
“I would have loved to be there, but I’m covering the US Open at the moment,” she said in the video. “Health is extremely important, and for me, there are three things. It’s mind, body and spirit. I also think it’s very important to talk about body image, body positivity and body shaming because it is all around us … It’s very important to embrace who you are. Everyone is different. Be proud of yourself.”
“We’re imperfectly perfect; we’re all different, but we’re all amazing.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
